Concrete is a matter of taste – some people like buildings made of this material, others rather turn away from it. The fact is: in the Zurich region, there are many concrete buildings, including classics and contemporary objects by well-known architects. Heartbrut.com recently published the Carte Brute Zurich; it presents 40 pioneering concrete icons from all over the canton of Zurich. Classics, such as the columned hall of the Landesmuseum (1898) and the Freudenberg school complex (1961) meet selected contemporary objects by Herzog & de Meuron, Barozzi Veiga or the recently awarded Haus Alder by Gabrielle Hächler.
There are also genuine Kunst am Bau trouvailles from the post-war period to discover, such as the wall reliefs on the Regina department stores’ in Dietikon and on the Im Holzerhurd 46 residential tower.
The folding map Carte Brute Zurich in A1 format presents 40 pioneering concrete icons from the Canton of Zurich from 1898 to the present day.
Finally, the map pays special attention to new objects that combine bold design with sustainability awareness. Zurich’s most filigree concrete beauty – the elegantly curved Aula Rämibühl (1971) – adorns the back in poster format. With its eye-catching appeal and flexible format, the folding map is suitable for both the living room and on the road.
40 concrete icons and where to find them
Each object is recorded with a picture. Further core information on the works as well as location details can be found in the legend section and on the cantonal map on the cover. An introductory text in German and English by the author, photographer and director of HEARTBRUT, Karin Bürki, provides additional insights.
Green meets grey
The Swiss concrete heritage is as close to the editors’ hearts as the environment. There is still a lot to improve here in terms of concrete. That is why the map also sheds special light on contemporary objects such as the Tanzhaus and Zollhaus, which combine a bold look with recycled concrete and CO2-reducing technologies. Or, as in the case of the Sihlhölzli tool sheds, rely on cement-free earth concrete, such as rammed earth.
The Carte Brute Zurich can be ordered online here directly from the publisher for CHF 34.
The Heartbrut editions are not for profit. The proceeds from sales are used to finance the extensive research, travel and editorial work invested in this project. Any profits flow directly into the development and production of new Carte Brute editions. A true win-win situation.
Recently, the Tages-Anzeiger also reported positively on Karin Bürki’s new publication in a detailed article.
